Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (D-Bergen) released the following statement Tuesday on a State Health Planning Board decision to approve a certificate of need application for Hackensack University Medical Center to take over the closed Pascack Valley Hospital and open a 128-bed hospital:
“Ensuring working families have access to quality health care, especially in time of emergency, is always top priority.
“That’s why I was pleased to see today’s vote, and that’s why I applaud the hard work and dedication of Westwood Mayor John Birkner in his quest to have Pascack Valley Hospital reopened as HUMC-North.
“Health Commissioner O’Dowd legally has 120 days to review the recommendations, but after years of waiting I hope she comes to a decision very quickly.
“The residents of Westwood and Northern Bergen County have waited long enough.”